Devi Swain Lenz PhD
@devjanee.bsky.social
Director Duke Sequencing & Genomics Tech / Asst Prof MGM / cis-regulatory evolution / DEI / Mama / she | her / daughter of immigrants / wearer of many hats, owner of one head / posts my own
Pinned
Devi Swain Lenz PhD
@devjanee.bsky.social
· Aug 11
Sequencing and Genomic Technologies | Duke University School of Medicine
Sequencing and Genomic Technologies (SGT) is a basic science research core affiliated with the Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) that offers a full range of state-of-the-art genomic services.
medschool.duke.edu
I received my S15 NoA for the @sptlabtech.bsky.social firefly+ housed in SGT! 🎉
This little bug will streamline miniaturized preps to stretch tightening budgets
This little bug will streamline miniaturized preps to stretch tightening budgets
I’m so proud to be a part of the Durham community that’s showing up to protect our children at DPS. While walking the kids to school and to join our local care team, we saw this beautiful symbol 🌈
November 19, 2025 at 1:28 PM
I’m so proud to be a part of the Durham community that’s showing up to protect our children at DPS. While walking the kids to school and to join our local care team, we saw this beautiful symbol 🌈
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
Please share with anyone who cares about NSF support for graduate students and take 30 seconds to sign and leave a comment.
The deadline for the 2025 Graduate Research Fellowship Program is about one month away and literally no one can apply. #NSFGRFP
jasonjwilliamsny.github.io/grfp2025/
The deadline for the 2025 Graduate Research Fellowship Program is about one month away and literally no one can apply. #NSFGRFP
jasonjwilliamsny.github.io/grfp2025/
An Open Letter to U.S. STEM Leadership on the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
An Open Letter to U.S. STEM Leadership on the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
jasonjwilliamsny.github.io
September 25, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Please share with anyone who cares about NSF support for graduate students and take 30 seconds to sign and leave a comment.
The deadline for the 2025 Graduate Research Fellowship Program is about one month away and literally no one can apply. #NSFGRFP
jasonjwilliamsny.github.io/grfp2025/
The deadline for the 2025 Graduate Research Fellowship Program is about one month away and literally no one can apply. #NSFGRFP
jasonjwilliamsny.github.io/grfp2025/
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
There's a wrong way and a right way to report this
September 22, 2025 at 9:35 PM
There's a wrong way and a right way to report this
We unequivocally had the greatest cohort of graduate students of all time and space 😘
Back-to-school vibes with new PhD class arriving at UCSF… @devjanee.bsky.social rocked my world the other day with “happy 20th anniversary of being friends” text! We were those incoming PhD students at WUSTL 20 years ago. Yikes. Looking at you too @rolyanharas.bsky.social @thelucalab.bsky.social!
September 5, 2025 at 4:44 AM
We unequivocally had the greatest cohort of graduate students of all time and space 😘
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
Yesterday the president demanded that evidence about Covid vaccines be shown to the public. Today @apoorvanyt.bsky.social & I run through some of the studies made public over the past 4+ years that show that the vaccines work. Gift link: nyti.ms/46k17Tq
nyti.ms
September 2, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Yesterday the president demanded that evidence about Covid vaccines be shown to the public. Today @apoorvanyt.bsky.social & I run through some of the studies made public over the past 4+ years that show that the vaccines work. Gift link: nyti.ms/46k17Tq
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
Our paper on the evolution of MUC19 in humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans is finally out today in Science!
This has been a six-year effort by 13 authors to weave together 3 separate but related evolutionary stories around this one gene (more on thread 🧵).
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
This has been a six-year effort by 13 authors to weave together 3 separate but related evolutionary stories around this one gene (more on thread 🧵).
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
The MUC19 gene: An evolutionary history of recurrent introgression and natural selection
We study the gene MUC19, for which some modern humans carry a Denisovan-like haplotype. MUC19 is a mucin, a glycoprotein that forms gels with various biological functions. We find diagnostic variants ...
www.science.org
August 21, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Our paper on the evolution of MUC19 in humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans is finally out today in Science!
This has been a six-year effort by 13 authors to weave together 3 separate but related evolutionary stories around this one gene (more on thread 🧵).
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
This has been a six-year effort by 13 authors to weave together 3 separate but related evolutionary stories around this one gene (more on thread 🧵).
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
I get it, rabbits with tentacles on their face are freaky! But this isn't a "And so it begins" moment. Actually, this is where the HPV vaccine came from. Here's an excerpt from my book "A Planet of Viruses" that explains it. www.wfsb.com/2025/08/09/r... & gizmodo.com/rabbits-with...
Rabbits spotted with tentacle-like growths on their faces
When some neighbors noticed the rabbits, “cute” wasn’t exactly the word that came to mind.
www.wfsb.com
August 13, 2025 at 10:24 PM
I get it, rabbits with tentacles on their face are freaky! But this isn't a "And so it begins" moment. Actually, this is where the HPV vaccine came from. Here's an excerpt from my book "A Planet of Viruses" that explains it. www.wfsb.com/2025/08/09/r... & gizmodo.com/rabbits-with...
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
These are the most challenging times for early-career scientists and engineers.
My team is doing its bit to help by maintaining and even expanding our database of funding opportunities for early-career researchers.
We found 437 of them.
Download it freely here: research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-...
My team is doing its bit to help by maintaining and even expanding our database of funding opportunities for early-career researchers.
We found 437 of them.
Download it freely here: research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-...
August 11, 2025 at 11:54 AM
These are the most challenging times for early-career scientists and engineers.
My team is doing its bit to help by maintaining and even expanding our database of funding opportunities for early-career researchers.
We found 437 of them.
Download it freely here: research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-...
My team is doing its bit to help by maintaining and even expanding our database of funding opportunities for early-career researchers.
We found 437 of them.
Download it freely here: research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-...
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
Our paper showing that variation in transcription factor binding sites underlies the majority of additive genetic variance for phenotypic variation in maize is finally out!
Sadly they didn't use our suggested cover image below (made by the inimitable Andi Kur).
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Sadly they didn't use our suggested cover image below (made by the inimitable Andi Kur).
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
August 11, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Our paper showing that variation in transcription factor binding sites underlies the majority of additive genetic variance for phenotypic variation in maize is finally out!
Sadly they didn't use our suggested cover image below (made by the inimitable Andi Kur).
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Sadly they didn't use our suggested cover image below (made by the inimitable Andi Kur).
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
I received my S15 NoA for the @sptlabtech.bsky.social firefly+ housed in SGT! 🎉
This little bug will streamline miniaturized preps to stretch tightening budgets
This little bug will streamline miniaturized preps to stretch tightening budgets
Sequencing and Genomic Technologies | Duke University School of Medicine
Sequencing and Genomic Technologies (SGT) is a basic science research core affiliated with the Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) that offers a full range of state-of-the-art genomic services.
medschool.duke.edu
August 11, 2025 at 3:15 PM
I received my S15 NoA for the @sptlabtech.bsky.social firefly+ housed in SGT! 🎉
This little bug will streamline miniaturized preps to stretch tightening budgets
This little bug will streamline miniaturized preps to stretch tightening budgets
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
In my small corner of biology, I’m constantly reassured by how frequently we confirm main findings. And then when differences do show up, they very rarely end up being fraud, but instead tell us something important about differences in experimental design.
"a significant proportion of the results of federally funded scientific research projects cannot be reproduced by external researchers. "
a flat out lie.
a flat out lie.
August 8, 2025 at 3:37 AM
In my small corner of biology, I’m constantly reassured by how frequently we confirm main findings. And then when differences do show up, they very rarely end up being fraud, but instead tell us something important about differences in experimental design.
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
This acquisition will bring together two pioneering companies with a shared vision: to make single cell analysis more powerful, affordable and accessible to researchers worldwide.
Learn more: bit.ly/4mAWAS8
Learn more: bit.ly/4mAWAS8
August 7, 2025 at 8:14 PM
This acquisition will bring together two pioneering companies with a shared vision: to make single cell analysis more powerful, affordable and accessible to researchers worldwide.
Learn more: bit.ly/4mAWAS8
Learn more: bit.ly/4mAWAS8
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
Research led by Duke's Virginia Byers Kraus, MD, PhD, shows that key proteins in the ankles are similar to those used by salamanders to regenerate severed limbs and might hold the key to a new therapeutic approach for joint disease.
➡️ corporate.dukehealth.org/news/ankles-...
#AcademicSky #MedSky
➡️ corporate.dukehealth.org/news/ankles-...
#AcademicSky #MedSky
Ankles Might Point the Way to Cartilage Repair in Osteoarthritis
DURHAM, N.C. – The ankle’s ability to regenerate cartilage uses the same mechanisms that enable some animals to grow new limbs, and it could be harnessed to repair cartilage in knees and hips hobbled ...
corporate.dukehealth.org
July 15, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Research led by Duke's Virginia Byers Kraus, MD, PhD, shows that key proteins in the ankles are similar to those used by salamanders to regenerate severed limbs and might hold the key to a new therapeutic approach for joint disease.
➡️ corporate.dukehealth.org/news/ankles-...
#AcademicSky #MedSky
➡️ corporate.dukehealth.org/news/ankles-...
#AcademicSky #MedSky
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
"NIH has ..implemented a new policy requiring that at least one-half of the remaining funds for competing research project grants (RPGs) in FY 2025 be used to upfront fund RPG competing awards. Upfront funding provides the funding for all years of the approved project period .. from one fiscal year"
If anyone is interested NCI posted their FY25 funding strategy today www.cancer.gov/grants-train...
Reasonable to assume other NIH institutes will follow the same guidelines
Reasonable to assume other NIH institutes will follow the same guidelines
Funding Policy - Research Grants
NCI funding policy for research project grant (RPG) awards reflects the funding goals of the institute, NIH, and HHS.
www.cancer.gov
July 23, 2025 at 11:15 PM
"NIH has ..implemented a new policy requiring that at least one-half of the remaining funds for competing research project grants (RPGs) in FY 2025 be used to upfront fund RPG competing awards. Upfront funding provides the funding for all years of the approved project period .. from one fiscal year"
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
Scenes from a science crisis: a selection of recent developments 🧵1/6
July 18, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Scenes from a science crisis: a selection of recent developments 🧵1/6
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
Genome Sciences is looking for a Director of Departmental Computing. This is a rare opportunity for someone interested in leading our excellent IT team, building and maintaining computational infrastructure, and working closely with our faculty and labs uwhires.admin.washington.edu/ENG/candidat...
UW Human Resources
University of Washington Human Resources
uwhires.admin.washington.edu
July 11, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Genome Sciences is looking for a Director of Departmental Computing. This is a rare opportunity for someone interested in leading our excellent IT team, building and maintaining computational infrastructure, and working closely with our faculty and labs uwhires.admin.washington.edu/ENG/candidat...
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
11/10 social media work by the Durham Bulls
June 26, 2025 at 7:04 PM
11/10 social media work by the Durham Bulls
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
After ruling the NIH grant terminations illegal, Judge Young ended the hearing with an eye-opening speech.
“This represents racial discrimination, and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community. That's what this is. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. And I do so.”
“This represents racial discrimination, and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community. That's what this is. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. And I do so.”
THIS IS IT! THIS IS HUGE!!
PLAINTIFF'S WIN!!
Judge Young rules that the NIH grant terminations at issue in these cases are illegal and therefore vacated. BOOM!
PLAINTIFF'S WIN!!
Judge Young rules that the NIH grant terminations at issue in these cases are illegal and therefore vacated. BOOM!
"This Court rules that the challenged directives . . . are arbitrary and capricious."
"They are of no force and effect."
"They are illegal and so are each of the terminations before this Court"
"They are of no force and effect."
"They are illegal and so are each of the terminations before this Court"
June 16, 2025 at 7:12 PM
After ruling the NIH grant terminations illegal, Judge Young ended the hearing with an eye-opening speech.
“This represents racial discrimination, and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community. That's what this is. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. And I do so.”
“This represents racial discrimination, and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community. That's what this is. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. And I do so.”
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
Look folks, I know pangenomes are cool. But for the love of whatever, could you please PLEASE stop using the phrase "soft core" to describe genes that are present in most but not all individuals in your pangenome?
June 10, 2025 at 4:06 AM
Look folks, I know pangenomes are cool. But for the love of whatever, could you please PLEASE stop using the phrase "soft core" to describe genes that are present in most but not all individuals in your pangenome?
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
i personally do not think the administration is actually prepared for what happens if they are facing mass protests in every major city in the country
June 9, 2025 at 8:57 PM
i personally do not think the administration is actually prepared for what happens if they are facing mass protests in every major city in the country
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
RFK Jr.‘s extreme anti-vax views — and his related conflicts of interest — were a huge problem during his confirmation process.
So he promised not to change the vaccine advisory panel.
Today, he fired every single expert on that panel. It's a public health disaster.
So he promised not to change the vaccine advisory panel.
Today, he fired every single expert on that panel. It's a public health disaster.
RFK Jr. ousts entire CDC vaccine advisory committee
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed every member of a scientific committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to use vaccines.
apnews.com
June 9, 2025 at 10:34 PM
RFK Jr.‘s extreme anti-vax views — and his related conflicts of interest — were a huge problem during his confirmation process.
So he promised not to change the vaccine advisory panel.
Today, he fired every single expert on that panel. It's a public health disaster.
So he promised not to change the vaccine advisory panel.
Today, he fired every single expert on that panel. It's a public health disaster.
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
"We are speaking on behalf of hundreds of NIH staff who are standing up together to say: WE DISSENT.
I am so scared about doing this but I am trying to be brave for my kids because it's only gonna get harder to speak up."
Thank you to Dr. Jenna Norton and NIH scientists for your courage!
I am so scared about doing this but I am trying to be brave for my kids because it's only gonna get harder to speak up."
Thank you to Dr. Jenna Norton and NIH scientists for your courage!
June 9, 2025 at 5:25 PM
"We are speaking on behalf of hundreds of NIH staff who are standing up together to say: WE DISSENT.
I am so scared about doing this but I am trying to be brave for my kids because it's only gonna get harder to speak up."
Thank you to Dr. Jenna Norton and NIH scientists for your courage!
I am so scared about doing this but I am trying to be brave for my kids because it's only gonna get harder to speak up."
Thank you to Dr. Jenna Norton and NIH scientists for your courage!
Our Revio is named Barb after Barbara McLintock whom I’m convinced would’ve been super excited about long reads
We had a great visit at Duke University the past couple of days meeting with many folks about their awesome research, visiting the sequencing core and seeing the Revio there, and presenting a seminar on #PacBio #longread #microbial genomics capabilities to the PreMiEr folks! #microbiome
June 4, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Our Revio is named Barb after Barbara McLintock whom I’m convinced would’ve been super excited about long reads
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
I’m very happy to share our latest ABRF - Genomics ResearchGroup study “The impact of PCR duplication on RNAseq data generated using NovaSeq 6000, NovaSeq X, AVITI, and G4 sequencers,” is now published in Genome Biology!
genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....
genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
May 28, 2025 at 1:53 PM
I’m very happy to share our latest ABRF - Genomics ResearchGroup study “The impact of PCR duplication on RNAseq data generated using NovaSeq 6000, NovaSeq X, AVITI, and G4 sequencers,” is now published in Genome Biology!
genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....
genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....
Reposted by Devi Swain Lenz PhD
At yesterday’s University of Michigan Regents meeting, I was promoted to full professor, effective July 1. 🎆
Full professor is the highest rank in US academia. 26% of faculty are full. Among those, 4% are Black; 2% BW.
Started my PhD 20 years ago this fall. What a journey! A fantastic voyage.
Full professor is the highest rank in US academia. 26% of faculty are full. Among those, 4% are Black; 2% BW.
Started my PhD 20 years ago this fall. What a journey! A fantastic voyage.
Just received some very good news that I will be able to share tomorrow! 🎉🎉🎉
May 16, 2025 at 12:42 PM
At yesterday’s University of Michigan Regents meeting, I was promoted to full professor, effective July 1. 🎆
Full professor is the highest rank in US academia. 26% of faculty are full. Among those, 4% are Black; 2% BW.
Started my PhD 20 years ago this fall. What a journey! A fantastic voyage.
Full professor is the highest rank in US academia. 26% of faculty are full. Among those, 4% are Black; 2% BW.
Started my PhD 20 years ago this fall. What a journey! A fantastic voyage.